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Travelling Mabels weave stories and harmonies in magical Innisfil show

Classic folk and country, original songs, clever lyrics and three-part harmonies delight Innisfil concert-goers

Three-part harmonies, guitars and wicked keyboards – the Travelling Mabels rolled into the Lakeshore Library in Alcona on Monday night, the final stop on their Ontario tour and the final performance in the Innisfil Arts, Culture and Heritage Council’s 2019 concert series.

After an evening of music and storytelling, the Mabels – ‘Mama Mabel’ Eva Levesque, ‘Purty Mabel’ Lana Floen, recent addition to the group ‘Spicy Mabel’ Therry Lawson, and ‘Unstable Mabel’ Keith Floen on keyboard – headed home to Alberta.

They left behind a warm glow from their combination of country, folk, blues and jazz music that ranged from original tunes, like Alberta Blue and Butterfly, to covers of classics by the likes of Marty Robbins and Tennessee Ernie Ford.

There was even a moment, just before the break, when Keith Floen hit the keyboard, channelling Liberace, Victor Borge and Jerry Lee Lewis rolled into one virtuoso performance, complete with candelabra.

It was an evening of musical fun. The Mabels shared their harmonies, jokes and stories, in the intimate setting of the Lakeshore Library’s concert hall. The crowd fell just short of a sell-out, but there was nothing lacking in their enthusiasm.

Patty McLaughlin, musician and co-organizer of Innisfil Live Music, emceed the concert and introduced the opening act – local duo, The Fitzees.

“You meet folks through things you like to do. For us, that’s music,” McLaughlin said. “There’s different kinds of talent everywhere.”

The evening left the concert goers singing along, and looking forward to next year’s IACHC concert series at the Library, bringing more talent to the Lakeshore library.

More music this season:

The Bradford Arts Centre is hosting a Winter Wonderland Concert on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m., featuring local talent in a performance of seasonal songs and entertainment. Among the performers are Front Porch Harmonies – Linda Gamble on bass, Helen Mabee on guitar, Gail McKinley on the banjo, and Ingrid Szauter on autoharp – and The Goldenaires Choir from the Danube Srs. Leisure Centre. Performance artist Alexandrina will share her belief in the power of music to uplift and heal mind, body and soul. Other performers include guitar player Laurie LeBlanc; and singer-songwriter-musicians Bruce Dixon of Newmarket, and John Montgomery of Keswick. Admission will be by donation, with all funds going to support the operation of the Bradford Arts Centre. The Centre is located at 66 Barrie St. in Bradford; donations at the door, which opens at 7 p.m.

Boreal, Live! Innisfil Live Music kicks off its 2019-2020 season with a house concert by Boreal, on Nov. 29. Boreal is now a trio – Guelph artists Tannis Slimmon and Katherine Wheatley have been joined by Orillia’s Angie Nussey. Stunning harmonies and heart-warming songs and stories, in the Folk/Roots tradition. Doors open at 7, concert begins at 8. By donation (recommended donated $25). RSVP here.

Christmas Around the World. The Tapestry Chamber Choir presents its Christmas concert at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, at Main and Water Streets in downtown Newmarket, Sunday, Nov. 24 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $20 at the door or call 905-830-3041.

Christmas Chocolate Box Concert, by the Barrie Concert Band – 2 to 4 p.m. at Collier St. United Church in Barrie, 112 Collier St. on Dec. 7. Adults $25, students $10.

 


Miriam King

About the Author: Miriam King

Miriam King is a journalist and photographer with Bradford Today, covering news and events in Bradford West Gwillimbury and Innisfil.
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